5 Steps on the Way to an All-Star Swing

Improve your swing with these pro tips

Want to learn to swing like the pros—or just wishing your ball would spend less time in the trap? No matter how big or small your goals, there are a few simple things to keep in mind when it comes to improving your golf swing. Peruse the list below--compliments of Bob Howard Acura--for a few tips that should help.

1) Simplicity is best.

It’s tempting to debate every detail over and over when analyzing your own swing. While a certain level of analysis is productive, it can also lead to overcomplicating your swing and diluting that mysterious element that's the key to any great shot. Instead, focus your intention on the simple factors that lead to a great swing and you will soon learn to “feel” the proper motions of the swing as you go through it.

2) Develop accuracy before distance.

It’s no secret that the difficulty of a shot increases with distance, but don’t rush into the long-range shots. Distance shots build on the same motions as those necessary for short-range putts. Work on slowly expanding distance while maintaining good form and accuracy, and you’ll find your muscles getting comfortable with the motions that lead to success.

3) Watch your feet.

The placement of your feet determines the strength and accuracy of your swing. In short, your feet are literally the foundation of any great shot. If they are too close together or too far apart, your movements will be restricted and your shot will suffer. Different golfers prefer open or closed stances, so practice to see what fits your swing style best. Feel free to experiment—after all, you never know if your swing could get even better by just shifting your feet.

4) Use your hips.

No, you don’t have to learn to move like Elvis to improve your game, but the motion of your hips does play a big role in your swing. Joe Sullivan explains the proper motion as “a slight lateral shift, or ‘bump’, and then a turn.” Your upper body should not shift as your hips move. It may take some practice for this movement to come naturally, but the results are worth it.

5) Let the ball hit your swing—not the other way around.

One of the most important things to recognize is that the ball is not your target. Instead, your swing moves away from the target, and then back towards it as you follow through. The important thing is to position yourself so that your swing hits the ball at the proper moment. Practice visualizing the target in your mind’s eye while keeping your physical vision centered on the ball for balance, and you will be well on the way to a great swing.​